Ellington Resident Wins Connecticut Open

ELLINGTON, CT — Bradley Sawka of Ellington went wire-to-wire to win the 92nd Connecticut Open on Wednesday, closing with a 5-under-par 65 after weather delayed the final round at the Country Club of Fairfield.

Sawka finished the 54-hole championship at 14 under par with rounds of 66, 65 and 65, beating Patrick Healy of Centerport, New York, by two strokes, according to the Connecticut State Golf Association. Michael Miller of Brewster, New York, finished third at 11 under.

Late birdie seals the title

Heavy overnight rain delayed the final round by nearly four hours and left the course’s greens soft. Sawka held a two-shot lead with two holes remaining when he made a 26-foot birdie putt on No. 17, extending his edge to three shots before parring the final hole.

Sawka’s father, John, served as his caddie during the tournament, while his mother, Janelle, watched the final round.

Third amateur winner since 2008

The victory made Sawka the third amateur to win the Connecticut Open since 2008, joining Jackson Roman in 2024 and Jeff Hedden in 2008.

Sawka is a graduate of Ellington High School and recently completed his junior season with the UConn men’s golf team. He is set to transfer to the University of Oklahoma for his senior season. UConn Athletics lists him as an Ellington native and former CIAC Individual State Open champion.

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